Can you repair internal plaster too?

Yes. Once the ingress is fixed, we can advise on drying times and carry out plaster repairs and making-good where needed.

Penetrating Damp

Name: Precision South East
Address: 155A Silverdale Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9HT, GB
Telephone: 0800 955 3001

Penetrating damp is moisture entering through the building fabric from the outside - often due to defective gutters, cracked render, damaged pointing, porous brickwork, roof junction leaks, or poorly sealed windows and doors.

The key is to identify where the water is getting in. Once the source is fixed, walls can dry out naturally and internal finishes can be repaired properly.

Common causes of penetrating damp

Leaking gutters, downpipes or overflow from blockages
Cracked render or failing sealant around openings
Damaged pointing or spalled / porous brickwork
Roof junction leaks, flashing defects and parapet wall issues
Bridged cavities or debris in wall cavities

Our approach: diagnosis first, then targeted repairs

External inspection - gutters, roofline, walls, pointing, render and openings.
Internal assessment - moisture patterns, staining, salts and ventilation checks.
Fix the water ingress - roofline repairs, repointing, sealing or masonry works.
Internal making good - plaster repairs and redecoration advice once dry.

CALL 0800 955 3001

Case study 1: Damp patches below a gutter joint

A homeowner reported damp staining on an upstairs bedroom wall that worsened after rain. We traced the issue to a leaking gutter joint and a downpipe that was backing up during heavy showers.

We repaired the joint, secured correct falls, and cleared the outlet.
We checked the roofline and replaced a cracked bracket causing movement.
Internally, we advised drying time and carried out localised plaster repair.

Customer feedback:
"Quick diagnosis and the right fix. The damp mark stopped getting worse immediately. Very professional team."

Case study 2: Penetrating damp through failed pointing

Persistent damp was affecting a ground-floor lounge external wall. The brickwork showed worn mortar joints and hairline cracking near a window reveal.

We raked out and repointed the affected elevations with a suitable mortar.
Window reveal sealant was renewed and we checked for any cavity bridging.
After drying, we repaired internal plaster and left the wall ready for painting.

Customer feedback:
"Honest advice and neat work. They found the real cause and didn't push unnecessary treatments."

FAQs - Penetrating damp

How can you tell penetrating damp from condensation?

Condensation is usually worse in winter and forms on cold surfaces with poor ventilation. Penetrating damp is often linked to rainfall and appears as localised patches on external walls or around openings.

Do you need chemical treatments for penetrating damp?

Not usually. In most cases the right solution is to repair the external defect (gutter leaks, pointing, render, flashing, seals) and let the structure dry naturally.

Can you repair internal plaster as well?

Yes. Once the source of water ingress is fixed, we can advise on drying time and carry out internal repairs where needed.

What areas do we offer penetrating damp services?

Our technicians can diagnose the cause of penetrating damp and carry out any remedial services in Kent, London, Surrey and Sussex. See our areas covered page for more details.